Self-employed concerned about pensions

25 Apr 18

Saving for retirement is one of the biggest concerns facing self-employed workers, according to research.

A survey of 1,000 self-employed workers by Demos on behalf of the Independent Professionals and the Self Employed found that 46% were "very" or "fairly" concerned about not having enough savings for retirement.

Additionally, 38% were worried about how the current pension system works for the self-employed.

Although the vast majority (80%) described themselves as happy with their form of employment, many reported concerns with economic insecurity.

While auto-enrolment has brought more than 9 million employees into workplace pensions since its introduction in 2012, it does not apply to those who are self-employed.

Demos recommended that the government should introduce a form of auto-enrolment for self-employed individuals, by acting as their ‘de facto' employer.

The thinktank suggested the government should match the level of contributions for employees for April 2019, at 4% including tax relief.

Alan Lockey, head of modern economy at Demos, said:

"The rise of self-employment is one of the biggest changes to the modern economy in the last couple of decades.

"We need to think pragmatically about whether we should actively encourage it. That means we need a new deal to boost security for the self-employed."